8 Amir Zade mausoleum
The so-called Amir-zade Tomb is the second monument on the left in the enfilade of tombs that comprises the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. An ancient picture illustrates the poor condition of the monument before the restaurations of 2005. Roughly one-third of the tilework is a modern replacement by the restorers.
The yellow Kufic lettering framing the facade yields the following in Arabic. The text is broken and incomplete as the central portion of the text (which once wrapped around the pediment of the building) no longer exists. It records:
"The erection of this building, beautiful structure, protected from destruction, was commanded; the noble Emir... [missing text] ...during the blessed month of Shawwal, the year AH 788 [Oct-Nov 1386 common era]."
Thus, it is impossible to know whether the "the noble Emir" funded the tomb's construction or was himself laid to rest here. Unfortunately, old photographs of the monument are of no assistance as the missing text was lost centuries ago through weathering of the upper-level facade.
On the main calligraphic band framing the facade, in white text, is written Surah 2:138: "This is the natural Way of Allah. And who is better than Allah in ordaining a way? And we worship none but Him."
